Signed by the New England Patriots in the opening week of free agency in March (after Aqib Talib left for Denver), the two cornerbacks are entering new phases and fresh starts in their NFL careers.

"Last year, it was a tough year," Revis said at the conclusion of Friday's organized team activity on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. "When I played in Tampa Bay, it was tough coming off the ACL (he tore ligaments in his left knee while playing for the New York Jets in September of 2012) and everything, so it was a long year for me personally, just trying to recover.

"Now I'm ready to go," said Revis, "and I'm just trying to sit here and absorb everything and just trying to enjoy my time and get ready for the season."

While he picked up a Super Bowl ring with the Seattle Seahawks — and visited the White House to meet the president — Browner had his own issues last year, the carryover effect being that he must sit out the first four games of this season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Saying his "situation last year was unfortunate," Browner painted a bright picture of what awaits him in New England.

Asked repeatedly about his suspension, Browner said, "That's in the past, man. I don't care what nobody thinks. "It's fun to be back out here," I'm looking forward to playing for the Patriots.

"I'm on a great team. I'm fortunate to be here with these guys. I look forward to playing," said Browner.

Browner signed a three-year contract worth up to $16.8 million. At 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, he is a physical presence on the corner and spent three seasons as a member of Seattle's "Legion of Boom," earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2011 when he intercepted six passes.

Considered by many the best in the game, Revis' resumé is the greater of the two, of course, highlighted by five Pro Bowl berths in seven seasons (six with the Jets, last year with Tampa Bay) and 21 interceptions in 95 games.

Quarterback Tom Brady has said he's already tired of throwing the ball in Revis' direction.

"It's always a defensive and offensive competition going. What we're really trying to do is just get better at the end of the day," Revis said. "It's good to have the same jersey on as Tom and everybody else on this team."

Revis signed what is essentially a one-year, $12 million contract (don't expect the team to pick up the option on his $20 million deal for 2015). In the aftermath of his third OTA with his third team in as many years, he sounded more like a rookie than an established veteran, twice stressing "I've got a lot of stuff on my plate.

"I'm just trying to take this time to get to know the guys and for them to know me as well," the 5-foot-11, 198-pounder said. "I'm not trying to come in here and step on anybody's toes. I'm trying to learn as much as I can and improve and get this defensive scheme down."

Revis and Browner both said they like their new surroundings.

"It's totally different," Revis said. "You've got to take your hat off to Mr. (Robert) Kraft. They're a winning organization and I'm happy those guys gave me an opportunity to come in here and be a part of it."

Asked about the Patriots' secondary, Revis sounded an air of caution.

"When the preseason comes and all of that, and the season comes, I think we'll be ready to go," he said.

Browner's tone was more confident.

"I have a good feeling about this group. I think we've got a great group here with the addition of Revis. "(Safety Devin) McCourty's a great football player and (with) the young guys we've got here, man, we should be good."

NOTES: Quarterback Johnny Garoppolo and tight end Asa Watson were among the missing at the OTAs. Both were attending the NFLPA's Rookie Premiere symposium. ... First-round draft pick Dominique Easley, recovering from knee surgery, also was among the missing. ... Kraft was on hand for some of Friday's workout. ... Tight end Rob Gronkowski, also recovering from knee surgery, was among those limited in the workout.